Air pollution control measures are proving effective. In Germany, 2024 is the first year in which all limit values set by the European Air Quality Directive have been met. This is the seventh consecutive year that particulate matter levels have remained within the prescribed limits. read more
In 2024, all air quality limits met for the first time
Digital milestone in environmental protection and nature conservation – the new umwelt.info portal
Finding reliable information about environmental issues is not an easy task. While there is an abundance of facts and data on forests, soils and water bodies, their quality can vary. read more
The AI Lab at the German Environment Agency
The Application Lab for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (AI Lab) at the German Environment Agency leverages methods of AI and Big Data for environmental and sustainability applications. As an innovation space for the environmental sector, it focuses on the added value of AI for both people and the environment and conducts research on the sustainable use of AI and Big Data applications. read more
Packaging recycling only works with correct waste separation
Der Trend ist positiv. Insgesamt wurden von den dualen Systemen 2023 im Vergleich zum Vorjahr mehr Verpackungen recycelt. Das gaben das Umweltbundesamt (UBA) und die Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR) am 21. Januar 2025 auf einer gemeinsamen Pressekonferenz bekannt. Die strikte Mülltrennung ist die zentrale Voraussetzung, um das Recycling weiter auszubauen. read more
Guideline for greenhouse gas calculation in the transport sector
The transport of passengers and freight generates greenhouse gases (GHG) – not only through the actual transport activities, but also as a result of the processes at the individual locations or through services. On behalf of the UBA, a guideline has been produced which provides information for the standardised calculation and reporting of GHG emissions along transport chains. read more
Sustainability in supermarkets: Retail can do more
Sustainability in supermarkets has many facets. It ranges from resource-conserving food production and environmentally friendly packaging to the avoidance of food waste. read more
Revenue from emissions trading once again at record level
Revenue from European and national emissions trading in Germany totalled around 18.5 billion euros in 2024. This means that proceeds from these two key climate protection instruments was once again slightly higher than in the previous year. read more
Manufacturers of single-use plastic products must register by 31 December
Since 2024, manufacturers of single-use plastic products such as cigarette filters, drinks cups and film packaging have had to contribute to the costs of waste disposal in parks and streets. This involves companies paying an annual levy into a fund managed by the German Environment Agency. read more
